The Current A son's fight to save his mother from the Taliban
Aug 20, 2025
Noorullah Hakemi, an Ottawa resident, shares his harrowing story of advocating for his mother’s safety after she endured brutal assaults by the Taliban. He paints a vivid picture of the desperation Afghan refugees face, fearing deportation back to danger. Asma Faizi, President of the Afghan Women’s Organization, highlights the critical situation of women and girls amid rising deportations from neighboring countries. Both guests call for urgent international action and support to protect those vulnerable in Afghanistan's ongoing crisis.
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Mother Beaten Publicly In Kabul
- Noorullah describes his mother Bibi Hatoon-Yakoubi being beaten unconscious by Taliban guards in Kabul, breaking her legs and ribs.
- He recounts the phone call from a clinic and her multiple surgeries that left her unable to walk independently.
Refugees Facing Forced Deportations
- Noorullah reports visiting his mother in Tajikistan and seeing daily fear among refugees of deportation back to Afghanistan.
- He says Tajik authorities sometimes raid apartments and deport one to ten families at a time by force.
Afghanistan Has Fallen Off Decision Tables
- Noorullah argues international attention on Afghanistan has waned and decision-makers have deprioritized Afghan issues.
- He warns Canadian funds risk indirectly supporting the Taliban through aid channels without accountability.